The total level of funding provided for sports and physical recreation by government in 2000-01 was $2,124.2m. Of this, the Commonwealth Government contributed $198.9m (9.4%), state and territory governments $875.2m (41.2%) and local governments $1,050.1m (49.4%).

The majority of the funding went to Venues, grounds and facilities. They received $1,292.2m which was 60.8% of the total. A further $527.8m or 24.8% went to fund Participation and special events.

Local government contributed most of the funds provided to Venues, grounds and facilities ($997.5m or 77.2%). On the other hand, the state and territory governments contributed the majority of the funds for Participation and special events ($441.9m or 83.7%), and Other services ($58.6m or 59.6%). They also contributed the largest share of funding for Administration and regulation ($94.4m or 45.9%).

The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games were held during the 2000-01 financial year. While the Commonwealth and NSW Governments contributed most of the government funding for these events, other state and territory governments provided funds for hosting events and providing training venues for overseas athletes. The Commonwealth Government contributed an estimated $71.8m and the NSW Government $382.3m. Funding for Olympic venues during 2000-01 has been included under Venues and sports grounds, while all other sports and physical recreation funding associated with the Olympics has been included under Special events.

Funding provided by government for sports and physical recreation comprised $1,585.5m for recurrent expenditure (74.6%) and the remaining $538.6m for capital expenditure. The majority of funding from all levels of government was allocated to recurrent expenditure. At 96% ($190.8m), the percentage allocated to recurrent expenditure by the Commonwealth Government was the highest.